U.S. Military Confirms Launch of Major Combat Operations Against Iranian Targets

The U.S. military has commenced extensive combat operations in western Iran, targeting a network of 14 strategic defense sites, including air defense radars, command centers, and missile storage facilities. According to a Pentagon brief, the operations began on February 27, 2026, at 22:15 local time, with over 80 precision-guided munitions deployed across three operational theaters: Khuzestan, Kurdistan, and Hormozgan provinces. The campaign, codenamed Operation Iron Shield, was authorized by the Joint Chiefs of Staff following intelligence indicating imminent threats to U.S. personnel and allied assets in the Middle East. The Pentagon confirmed that all strike objectives were neutralized with minimal collateral damage, citing real-time surveillance data from MQ-9 Reaper drones and satellite platforms. U.S. Central Command reported that Iranian air defenses engaged the strike aircraft, but 97% of the incoming munitions successfully reached designated targets. No U.S. personnel were reported injured, and all aircraft returned to base safely. The operation lasted approximately 4.5 hours and involved 12 F-35 Lightning II fighters, five B-52H bombers, and three E-8 Joint STARS reconnaissance aircraft. The move has prompted immediate responses from regional actors. Israel’s Defense Ministry confirmed coordination with U.S. forces, stating that the strikes significantly degraded Iran’s short- and medium-range missile capabilities. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement threatening retaliation, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE called for de-escalation through diplomatic channels.